City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ARUP FOR PHASE II OF A
NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NYSERDA)-FUNDED
PROJECT
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 3, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development formally requested authorization for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with ARUP for participation in Phase II of the NYSERDA-funded project focused on climate resilience, urban heat mitigation, and integration of climate considerations into the City’s land use and zoning framework; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to advancing climate resilience, environmental equity, public health protections, and sustainable land use planning consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and ongoing zoning ordinance modernization efforts; and
Whereas, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administers grant programs that support municipalities in developing and implementing climate-informed planning and policy initiatives; and
Whereas, the City previously authorized the Mayor to execute a Letter of Commitment with ARUP, an international environmental and engineering consulting firm, in support of the City’s Phase I submission to a NYSERDA-funded initiative; and
Whereas, following the successful Phase I submission, NYSERDA selected ARUP and the City of Mount Vernon to advance this initiative to Phase II, which emphasizes implementation-oriented planning, policy integration, and actionable outcomes; and
Whereas, participation in Phase II requires the execution of a formal Professional Services Agreement to define the scope of work, roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and coordination between ARUP and the City; and
Whereas, under Phase II, ARUP will work collaboratively with the City of Mount Vernon Department of Planning and Community Development to advance data-driven strategies that integrate climate resilience and urban heat mitigation into the City’s land use regulations, zoning standards, and development review framework; and
Whereas, the Phase II scope of work includes refining and applying urban heat and environmental data, evaluating zoning and development standards through a climate resilience lens, identifying zoning mechanisms that support heat-resilient development, and producing policy-ready tools capable of incorporation into the City’s zoning ordinance update; and
Whereas, participation in Phase II will provide the City with advanced technical expertise, analytical tools, and policy guidance that strengthen decision-making capacity, improve integration of climate considerations into local law, protect public health, and position Mount Vernon as a model municipality for climate-responsive zoning and land use practices statewide; and
Whereas, the proposed Professional Services Agreement does not require the expenditure of City funds, as the City’s financial obligation will be satisfied through an in-kind contribution of staff time associated with work already underway on the zoning ordinance update, with an estimated value of Seventy-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($74,700), which will be credited toward the overall project budget submitted by ARUP to NYSERDA;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby authorized to execute a Professional Services Agreement with ARUP for participation in Phase II of the NYSERDA-funded project focused on climate resilience, urban heat mitigation, and integration of climate considerations into the City’s land use and zoning framework.
Section 2. Scope of Agreement. The Professional Services Agreement shall provide for ARUP’s delivery of implementation-oriented planning services, policy analyses, and zoning-related tools in coordination with the City’s Department of Planning and Community Development, consistent with the Phase II work program approved by NYSERDA.
Section 3. Fiscal Impact. This Ordinance authorizes no direct cash expenditure by the City of Mount Vernon. The City’s contribution to the project shall be limited to in-kind staff time, estimated at $74,700, to be satisfied through existing and ongoing work associated with the City’s zoning ordinance update.
Section 4. Authority to Take Ancillary Actions. The Mayor and appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to take any and all actions and execute any documents necessary or incidental to effectuate the intent and purposes of this Ordinance.
Section 5. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.